
A restless heir of the Lavender line abandons his aristocratic comforts for the wide‑open possibilities of America, chasing curiosity rather than scandal. When his disappearance finally draws the attention of the diligent Beaufort, the young Marquis is coaxed back home, his adventurous spirit tempered by a newfound sense of duty. The family, relieved yet eager to restore order, now turns its focus to arranging a suitable match for him, hoping to anchor his wandering heart.
The narrative follows the Marquis as he re‑enters society, his unconventional experiences abroad making him both a subject of fascination and a source of gentle amusement among the genteel circles of the north. As potential brides vie for his attention, the story unfolds with witty observations on Victorian manners, the clash of worlds, and the delicate dance of courtship. Listeners will be drawn into a charming portrait of a man caught between the allure of freedom and the expectations of his lineage.
Language
en
Duration
~6 hours (379K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Delphine Lettau, Mary Meehan & the online Distributed Proofreaders Canada team at http://www.pgdpcanada.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.)
Release date
2014-12-08
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1828–1897
A hugely popular Victorian novelist and critic, she wrote with remarkable range and speed, turning out fiction, essays, biographies, and supernatural tales across a long career. Her work often brings everyday family life into vivid focus while also making room for mystery, history, and sharp social observation.
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